The inscription of the Great Moravian Valy on the UNESCO list will also be supported by scientists

Hodonín - The proposal to inscribe the Great Moravian fortification Valy near Mikulčice in Hodonín and the church of Saint Mark of Antioch on the UNESCO World Heritage List will be supported by nearly 40 scholars from Central Europe with a memorandum. Its signing is expected on Wednesday. They are currently discussing the significance of this site in Mikulčice, said František Synek from the local exhibition to ČTK today. The inscription on the list is expected next year during the celebrations of the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of the missionaries and Moravian spiritual patrons Saints Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia.
    "It is a meeting of archaeologists, historians, experts on the history of architecture, art, religious studies, and the spiritual culture of Great Moravia, where they will summarize the latest findings on the topic of Valy," Synek stated, adding that research continues. Scientists from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Germany are participating in the conference.
    The Archeopark Mikulčice-Kopčany, where the preserved Great Moravian church of St. Mark of Antioch stands, was proposed by the Czech Republic in cooperation with Slovakia for inscription to UNESCO several years ago. However, the nomination was withdrawn at the last moment. If UNESCO rejects a proposal once, it cannot be submitted again.
    The reason for the decision was that the proposal was not sufficiently scientifically supported. The current conference is, in fact, a contribution to ensure there are no doubts about the historical uniqueness of Valy and the church.
    Valy was one of the largest centers of the Great Moravian Empire. According to legend, it could even have been its capital - the mythical Veligrad, which has not yet been discovered. The foundations of 12 churches have been found there, including the largest Great Moravian basilica and also a princely palace. It is likely that the missionaries also operated there. According to the boldest scientific theories, it is the original grave of Saint Methodius, whose relics were later moved by his disciples.